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Implants are usually made of titanium, less commonly ceramic. Titanium has proven to be a stable material in general medicine, such as in artificial hip joints. Due to its excellent biocompatibility, the jawbone rapidly bonds to its surface, providing a secure anchor for the implant. Ceramics, which are also well-tolerated, have a smoother surface, reducing the risk of bacterial penetration. However, ceramics have lower elasticity and strength. The implant bodies are larger, which may require sacrificing more jawbone. In the case of single-tooth implants, there can also be spacing issues between neighboring teeth. There are also composite implants available, where the part protruding into the oral cavity (implant post) is made of ceramic, and the part within the body tissue (implant body) is made of titanium.

With today's technology, even patients with limited jawbone can have implants. In such cases, it is necessary to increase the existing bone in a preliminary procedure. Missing bone can be replaced with synthetic, biodegradable material or the patient's own bone. However, an additional 6 to 12 months of healing time is required. Innovative surgical techniques are also used, such as membrane technology, where the bone defect is covered with a special membrane. Healthy bone forms underneath the protective membrane during the healing phase. The use of platelet-rich plasma from the patient's own blood (PRP)can enhance bone healing as it contains growth factors that promote bone growth. PRP is not toxic, non-allergenic, and immunologically safe since it is obtained from the patient during surgery. It also contains a significant number of growth factors, which accelerate wound healing and bone regeneration.

Lastly, bone can be obtained from specific jaw regions with minimal effort and used as well. The donor site heals without complications and does not cause any later restrictions for the patient. The surgeon's skill and experience with the technique and materials are crucial for the success of the treatment.

Perfect oral hygiene is the most critical requirement for a successful and long-lasting implantation. The area around the implant, especially the junction between the implant and the gum, must remain free from bacterial deposits. Special cleaning techniques such as dental floss and interdental brushes are often necessary.

Without these precautions, the failure of the complex and expensive implant procedure is unfortunately likely. Regular check-ups and cleaning sessions with the dentist further reduce the risk. Implantation is not recommended for certain medical conditions, including blood disorders, poorly controlled diabetes, severe liver and kidney diseases, chronic immune system disorders, and a poor overall health condition. Taking specific medications can also increase the risk of implant loss. Thorough consultations and examinations by both the physician and dentist can provide more insight into individual cases. Patience and time are qualities that implantology patients should bring to the complex treatment.

Scientific dental implantology has been around for about 45 years, and it has made significant advancements in recent years. The success rate of implantations is now over 90 percent. New procedures and materials are continually being developed.

Due to growing demand from patients, the number of practicing implanting dentists will continue to rise. Organizations like the Swiss Society of Implantology (SGI) and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) annually organize extensive courses and continuing education opportunities for dentists with the involvement of leading experts. Patients are in good hands with well-educated and certified implantologists.

There are many reasons that can lead to the loss of one or more teeth, along with their roots. For example, cavities: if they reach the tooth's nerve, the tooth may no longer be salvageable even with root canal treatment – it must be extracted. When gum disease (periodontitis) has progressed significantly, the tooth becomes loose in the jawbone, falls out, or also needs to be extracted. Teeth can also be lost due to accidents.

To fill the resulting gap, there are various options for tooth replacement: a fixed bridge, a removable prosthesis, or implants. A combination of these methods is also possible. Implants can be used to anchor fixed bridges or stabilize a prosthesis.

Specific situations can be distinguished:

*When a single tooth is missing, especially in the front teeth area. Missing teeth in this area can have a significant impact on appearance and speech. Unlike a bridge, a dental implant treatment does not affect the healthy neighboring teeth.

*When multiple teeth are missing, implants can serve as additional "pillars" for better bridge stability. This spares the natural teeth that would otherwise have to support the bridge exclusively. Even better is a "tooth-for-tooth replacement," where each missing tooth is replaced by an implant.

*In the so-called "free-end situation," the backmost molars are missing. In this case, only implants can provide a fixed tooth replacement and bridge anchoring.

*In a completely edentulous (toothless) jaw, even a few implants can stabilize a prosthesis. The artificial tooth roots also have another crucial function: by transmitting chewing forces to the jawbone, they counteract bone loss. This is a fundamental issue with full prostheses.

Unlike general medical implants like hip joints, which are completely surrounded by body tissues, dental implants have an exposed implant post that is required to support dental prosthetics. This post protrudes into the oral cavity, which is teeming with bacteria. These bacteria can travel along the implant post into the jawbone and cause inflammation (peri-implantitis), leading to loosening and eventually the loss of the implant. Therefore, exceptionally good oral hygiene is a crucial prerequisite for the long-term success of implants.

Complications, including the loss of the implant, can always occur. However, due to significantly improved surgical techniques, optimized material properties, and diligent follow-up care, problematic cases have become less common.

A poor prognosis is associated with smokers, as approximately one-third of implants are lost in smokers due to reduced blood flow. Patients can avoid this risk as well as problems resulting from inadequate oral care.

Complications during the surgery are relatively rare. Wound healing problems can occur, as with any other jaw surgery.

Consistent oral hygiene
Dental plaque endangers the implant. Those who choose this type of dental restoration must also commit to consistent and regular oral care. Thoroughly cleaning the teeth after every meal is essential to avoid unnecessary risks to the success of the complex and costly treatment.

As a general rule, it can be said that long-term success after implantation depends 80 percent on the patient. Smokers have a significantly higher risk of implant loss. A thorough check-up with a primary care physician before starting dental treatment is highly recommended. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or hormonal disorders are just a few of the medical conditions that can negatively affect the integration of implants into the jaw and potentially hinder implant treatment.

X-rays and pre-examinations: Only through X-rays can it be determined whether the jawbone in question is both qualitatively and quantitatively suitable for an implantation. The following examinations are conducted before the surgical procedure:

Particularly precise diagnostics and treatment planning is possible using the latest low-radiation 3D-DVT X-ray technology. This can be performed directly in our practice.

For many patients, loose dentures, clasps, eating or laughing restrictions, and an overall unnatural appearance can lead to insecurity and a significant loss of quality of life. Implants can provide an excellent solution in these cases, as they provide the sensation of a natural tooth both visually and in terms of chewing behavior.

Since implants are firmly integrated into the bone, they offer stable support and are far superior to conventional dental prosthetics. Furthermore, the dentist can avoid grinding healthy teeth. Implants are one of the most elegant and aesthetically pleasing solutions for replacing lost teeth.

Implants are very durable, but they do not always last a lifetime and may need replacement under certain circumstances. Over time, a person's oral conditions change. In addition to the patient's overall health, the quality and quantity of the jawbone, and oral hygiene, play important roles. The importance of meticulous oral care for the longevity of an implant cannot be emphasized enough.

Many patients have had their artificial tooth roots for more than 15 years without any problems. Given the constantly evolving treatment techniques and systems, long and trouble-free use of dental implants can generally be expected. The success rate after 10 years is approximately 95 percent in the lower jaw and about 90 percent in the upper jaw. This difference is explained by the different bone structures in both jaws.

The treatment primarily consists of two steps:

*Implants are placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia. Pain during this procedure, which takes approximately 1 hour, is not expected to be severe. The operation is similar in sensation to having a tooth extracted. Some swelling may occur for a few days afterward. The sutures are typically removed after about 10 days. This is followed by the healing phase, which lasts for approximately 3 to 6 months, during which patients wear provisional dentures.

*After undisturbed healing, the implants are exposed under local anesthesia, and the final dental prosthesis can be placed on the now integrated implants.

With this implant-supported dental prosthesis, life truly regains its "bite." Patients feel secure and comfortable.

Implants, like natural tooth roots, are intended to transfer the forces generated during chewing to the jawbone. The larger the surface area of the artificial tooth root within the bone, the more secure its anchorage.

For example, in the posterior area of the mouth, chewing forces are the strongest. Therefore, natural molars have multiple roots with a larger surface area. If only two implants were placed to replace three missing molars without reducing the chewing surface, the implants would be overloaded, and their long-term stability would be compromised. Therefore, it is not advisable to cut corners in the wrong place.